Best Lake Camping in Washington

When I was a kid growing up in the Midwest going camping meant three things: camping by a lake, swimming in a lake, and fishing in a lake. (It also involved picking ticks off once getting out of the lake. If there’s one thing I don’t miss about the Midwest, it’s the plethora of ticks!)

A friend recently asked me for a recommendation on a few great lakefront campgrounds in Washington, and it got me thinking. I don’t think of the Northwest as having a lot of lowland lakes like say, Minnesota, but as I started to list off the best lakeside campgrounds in the state I realized there are quite a few of them. And then I decided the list was too great to not share with everybody.

Below are my top picks for places to pitch your tent beside a lake in Washington. See all of these plotted on a map here.

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Moran State Park, Orcas Island

Pick a freshwater lake to camp on – there are two. Although visitors might expect a huge state park in the San Juan Islands to have saltwater shoreline, this 5,200-acre park has very little. But Moran State Park does have four freshwater lakes, old-growth forest, hiking trails and its own mountain (Mt. Constitution, and you can hike to the top). My favorite place to camp at the park is at Mountain Lake where you’ll get a bit more privacy. Ferry lines can be a bear in summertime, but you can walk on with your camping gear and pay just $12 round-trip to take the Orcas Island Shuttle to the park.

Details: 151 sites. $12-$25 a night. Small RVs allowed but there are no hookups. Reservations here up to 9 months in advance; some campsites are first-come, first-serve. Reserve here for summer camping.

What to bring: Hiking shoes – the trail around Mountain Lake makes for an easy, relaxing morning stroll.

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Fairholme on Lake Crescent, North Olympic Peninsula

On the west end of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park sits Fairholme Campground (open May through mid-fall). No reservations here, so the key is to arrive early before the weekend to snag a lakefront campsite away from the highway noise. The Fairholme General Store and a boat launch are nearby, and the campground has an amphitheater for summertime ranger programs.

Details: 88 sites. No utility hookups, though there’s room for small RVs to 21 feet. Restroom, but no showers. $12 a night. No reservations accepted; sites are first-come, first-served. More info.

Lake activities: Lake Crescent is deep and stunning, and you’ll want to bring a boat (like a kayak or canoe) to paddle out into it. There are swimming beaches and a popular swimming hole known as Devil’s Punchbowl (brrrrrr!).

What to bring: Mosquito repellent, your fishing pole, and a boat. Pack earplugs in case you end up at a campsite near the highway.

Special note: There’s a major 3-year Lake Crescent Highway 101 Rehabilitation project that launches July 10, 2017. The highway remains open, but allow extra time for the construction delays. Info here.

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Willaby on Lake Quinault, SW Olympic Peninsula

On the south shore of Lake Quinault is Willaby Campground, tucked into the mossy forest. It’s within walking distance (via a shoreline trail) to the historic Lake Quinault Lodge.

Details: 22 sites. $20 a night. No utility hookups, though there’s room for small RVs to 16 feet. No showers. Open May – September. You must make reservations (link above).

Lake activities: The campground has its own boat launch to get you into the water. The Lake is part of the Quinault Indian Nation, and so a Tribal Fishing Permit and Boat Decal are required; both may be purchased at local merchants.

What to bring: Your canoe or kayak for paddling on the lake. A book to read by the fire in the lobby of the Lake Quinault Lodge nearby.

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Ike Kinswa State Park on Mayfield Lake

Bring your bathing suits and water skis! Ike Kinswa State Park is 454-acres of forest on the north shore of 14-mile long Mayfield Lake, a reservoir located near Mossyrock in Lewis County. It’s the 46,000 feet of freshwater shoreline that draw campers here in droves, especially in warm summer months (though camping is available year-round).

Lake activities: Water skiers love this spot, and you’ll be constantly reminded of this from the sounds of motors. Sunbathe on the swimming beach or enjoy the water (no lifeguard).

What to bring: Sunblock, a fishing pole and earplugs.

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Takhlakh Lake, SW Washington near Mt. Adams

Pronounced tac-a-lack, this beautiful lake is the only thing sitting between your campsite and Mt. Adams. It’s one of the most stunning campsites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the season is short, so don’t dally.

Details: 62 sites. $16 a night. Small RVs ok. Vault toilets, but bring your own drinking water or a filter. Ten walk-in only sites. Elevation is 4,500 feet. Reserve here for summer camping or call 1-877-444-6777.

Lake activities: No motors are permitted here, just canoes and kayaks and tranquility. A 1.5-mile hiking trail runs around the lake.

What to bring: Mosquito repellent (crucial in early summer), your trout fishing pole, and a car that can handle a few miles of washboard road.

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Kachess Lake, East of Snoqualmie Pass

Let’s be honest here – Kachess Campground gets crowded. It’s close to Seattle and has plenty of group sites, so don’t expect any quiet, peaceful moments of solitude here. Instead, you’ll set up camp in the open ponderosa pine forest that surrounds Lake Kachess, a dammed reservoir, and enjoy plenty of lakeside family fun! And that’s what Kachess is all about.

Details: 120 sites. $20 a night, $40 for double campsites. No hookups. 42 of the sites can be reserved in advance. Reserve here for summer camping, or call 1-877-444-6777.

Lake activities: Swimming! Families come here in droves for fun in the sun. There is a boat launch nearby, and a hiking trail along the lake that leaves from the campground – the Little Kachess Lake Trail.

What to bring: Mosquito repellent, swimming inflatables and don’t forget the ear plugs.

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Lake Wenatchee State Park, North Cascades

All the comforts of a state park campground (gotta love those coin-op showers after a day on the sand!) with the alpine vistas of a national park. That is Lake Wenatchee State Park, a beautiful and large camping park that sits in between Stevens Pass and the town of Leavenworth.

Lake activities: One of the most scenic sandy swimming beaches in the state, and epic views are in store for you from the seat of your canoe. Off the lake there are miles of trails in the vicinity for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.

What to bring: A swimsuit for sure, and a boat if you have one. Don’t forget to pack your camera and fishing pole.

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Lake Chelan State Park, North Cascades

A summer vacation on the glacier-carved, fjordlike Lake Chelan is a must-do for many Washington families, and Lake Chelan State Park is pretty much the epicenter of all that family fun. The 127-acre park is set in a ponderosa pine forest on the lake’s south shore, with 6,000 feet of public shoreline. A big bonus is the lake views from many of the campsites, and expansive lawns for playing frisbee in the sun. Some of the campsites even have their own docks! The walk-in tent sites are the most spacious and private.

Lake activities:The hum of a jet ski is almost a constant companion in this part of the lake. Swimming, boating, fishing – you name it, you can do it here.

What to bring: Sunblock and a big, floppy hat.

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Alta Lake State Park, Methow Valley

If Lake Chelan State Park is too noisy for your tastes, head instead to nearby Alta Lake State Park. It’s plenty big at 181 acres, and sits at the end of the Methow Valley where the pine-forested mountains meet the desert. The lake is about two miles long and a half mile wide, and the park has a nice sandy swimming beach. A boat launch will get you out onto the water so you can fish for trout. When hiking in this area, keep an alert eye out for rattlesnakes.

Alert: The Carlton Complex Fire swept through here in the summer of 2014, damaging parts of the park. Repairs have been underway ever since, and the park and campground are open. Some of the campsites may remain closed in 2015, though repairs are underway. Check with the park for more details.

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Curlew Lake State Park, Colville

The 5.5-mile Curlew Lake is set in a dry lodgepole pine forest near the town of Republic. Both Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles nest here, and I’ve seen a number of other bird species as well; Curlew Lake State Park is known for wildlife watching. Another feature unique to this park is its seaplane dock. The best camping spots are walk-in tent sites on the lake.

Lake activities: Go swimming. Fish for your dinner – this lake has a nice population of rainbow trout. They used to pan for gold here – maybe it’s worth a try!

What to bring: Your fishing pole and a pan to fry those trout in. Bring binoculars to get a good look at the birds.

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Even MORE Lakeside Campgrounds!

Sullivan Lake State Park, Colville National Forest

If Washington’s far northeast corner feels a bit like Idaho, you won’t find us complaining. Just don’t forget your trout fishing pole! Sullivan Lake promises brown and rainbow trout for the patient and hungry, plus swimming and water skiing. Just three miles from here is the border of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness and the last old-growth left in Eastern Washington. Oh, and there are grizzlies in them there hills, along with bighorn sheep, woodland caribou and moose. Sullivan Lake Campground | (509) 684-7000

Steamboat Rock State Park, Grand Coulee

In the heart of Washington’s Grand Coulee desert country is a recreationist’s paradise in the middle of Banks Lake. And your base camp for all of it sits in the middle of an “island” surrounded by your outdoor playground. Steamboat Rock State Park draws water-lovers to its sandy swimming area and three boat launches. The park has 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. Some of the best freshwater fishing in Washington is had in Banks Lake, which is full of walleye, bass and perch. Steamboat Rock State Park | (509) 633-1304.

Bonaparte Lake, Okanogan Valley

The Five Lakes area near Tonasket is remote and quiet. Bonaparte Lake is known for good swimming and great fishing; fish for brook, rainbow and lake trout. A trail to the top of Bonaparte Peak leaves from the campground. Bonaparte Lake Campground | (509) 486-2186.

Hi Nichole, thanks so much for your message. There are lake camping options near Spokane, and though they might not make the cut as “the best” in Washington state I should have included one for my readers in that area.

Lake Spokane campground (on the north shore of “Long Lake,” it is also known as Long Lake Campground) has 11 primitive campsites, and you can camp there from around May 15 through Sept. 15. All campsites are first come, first served. This campground is on Washington Department of Natural Resources land, but is now managed by Washington State Parks, a good thing I suppose as it used to close whenever there wasn’t a volunteer campground host on hand. The campground is located near the intersection of Hwy 291 and Corkscrew Canyon.

Hi there! We’re driving down from BC, Canada and shooting for Bogachiel SP/checking out the Hoh Rainforest, but we were looking for a nice midpoint between there and Oregon, something a long the coast, or not far from it. Any suggestions come to mind?

Oh- and I should mention first come first serve or places with last minute availability get bonus points, since we’re rolling with the flow of the road. 🙂

Can’t wait to check these places out while I’m exploring next time I’m home. one thing though, the photo at the top of the article, where was this taken? Really want to get myself in that frame for a picture. Also, that place just looks especially wonderful to explore.

I grew up at Deer Lake there is a resort there called Deer Lake Resort it is lots of fun for the family. Loon Lake has several areas also. They are both located 45 min north of Spokane off HWY 395. Deep Lake is further north near Colville it is beautiful. My favorite little hideaway is Sullivan Lake it has the Boundary dam, gold panning, a waterfall near by, massive bike and hike trails and two very nice campgrounds. There are also caves to explore near by. Have fun camping in Washington we sure do.

Extremely helpful to get these recommendations. Planning a trip this summer w/our friends and our ~ 3 yr old kids (and baby) and the work you’ve put into providing beta on this site is much appreciated.

Another great place for great family fun is Sun Lakes Resort or Sun Lakes State Park. They have boat and paddle board rentals, nice docks, store, food, food truck, golf and mini-golf, trails, lakes, hikes, bike riding, swimming pool, and of course Blue Lake beaches.

Not sure if anyone still posts on this…..but looking for campgrounds near colville area, with flush toilets and showers. I am ok with going about an hour or so from colville any direction. Really love fishing, and will have the kids with me so no hiking in places please. I usually camp on the westside but interested in this area so looking for some good suggestions…..thank you

We are looking for lakes in Washington, that we can use our loud boat, enjoy swimming, fishing and have power for our RV.
We have a 28 ft motor home and an 18 ft jet boat.
We live near Seattle, and have usually stayed at Lake Cuhsman Resort in Hoodsport, WA.
They are a great place, but book up quickly.
We tried Blue Lake, in Eastern Washington last year. It just gets a bit windy there.
Would like some new adventures.

I am recently retired, and am interested in finding a lake that has deeded lots that you can purchase with a spot for an RV and usually some type of community center. I live on the west side, but my children and grandchildren live on the east side between Spokane and Pullman. I would love to purchase a lot there, so we would have a place to meet to enjoy each others company. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Dakota, most hikers refer to those types of adventures as “backpacking hikes” or “backcountry camping”.

There are many hikes similar to Mildred Lakes throughout the Cascades and Olympics, where you hike in 3-6 miles, camp along a lake, then hike back out in a day or two. Here are a few we love that come to mind – just search for these at wta.org (Washington Trails Association) for more info. WTA also has a Hiking Guide wher you can search specifically for hikes to lakes that have established campsites (use the advanced search options) http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes

Sheep Lake – Sourdough Gap (easy – about 5 miles to lake, only 500 ft elevation gain, it’s along the Pacific Crest Trail north of Mount Rainier National Park)

Independence Lake (easy – about 3.5 miles to the lake, a few hundred feet elevation gain) off the Mountain Loop Highway.

Upper Lena Lake (hard – 7 miles to the lake, almost 4000 feet gain) in the Olympics

Deer Lake (4 mile hike to the lake, about 1600 feet gain) in the Olympics

Lake Ann (about 2 miles to the lake, 700 feet gain) off the North Cascades Highway

I could go on and on – there are so many great hikes to lakes you can camp at. Have fun!!!

Any recommendations for camping spots with more sandy spots than rocks? We just moved this way and found out Washington has mostly rocky beaches. Our kids love digging their feet in the sand but I’m having the hardest time finding that. Been looking for a couple weeks in hope to book a couple spots before spring/summer.